15+ Living Rooms Perfect For Relaxed Entertaining

Entertaining season is upon us, which means our living rooms are about to get a ton of attention. It’s where we host guests for cocktails, spend leisurely afternoons with loved ones, and unwind after extravagant holiday meals. If you’re looking to give your living room a facelift, here are 18 spaces that will inspire you to take yours to the next level.

Antique charm and architectural detail are at the forefront of this refined living space. Handsome furniture creates an intimate seating area around the fireplace, which was rebuilt using an old mantel found in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Photographer:

Janet Kimber

Source:

House & Home October 2011

Designer:

Philip Mitchell

Plentiful seating in this bohemian-style living room makes it the perfect place to gather for family downtime or with a large party. Homey elements — like a pottery collection, colorful book spines and Moroccan-inspired carpeting — make wonderful conversation starters.

Photographer:

Martin Löf/ Living Inside

Source:

House & Home May 2016

Designer:

Walton Goggins and Nadia Conners

In this midtown Toronto living room, black and white artwork add a dash of Parisian flair, while sculptural elements like a wicker table, floor lamp and ball introduce texture and contrast against the elegant curve of the staircase.

Photographer:

James Tse

Source:

House & Home September 2008

Designer:

Joe Mimran and Kimberley Newport-Mimran

Kelvin Browne’s cottage living room shows a true connection to nature. The original bricked fireplace and rustic wooden envelope pay homage to the abundance of natural wealth outside. White linen sofas offer a cozy place to curl up.

Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Source:

House & Home October 2015

Designer:

Kelvin Browne

Traditional furnishings and a flagstone fireplace lend this charming living room a natural feel, while soft blue accents impart an air of tranquility.

Photographer:

Angus Fergusson

Source:

House & Home October 2013

Designer:

Natalie Hodgins, Sarah Richardson Design

This intimate living room evokes a sense of old-world sophistication thanks to classic furnishings, a subdued palette and hints of brass and gold borrowed from the coffee table legs and the frames of travel-inspired photos.

Photographer:

Stacey Brandford

Source:

House & Home October 2009

Designer:

Philip Mitchell

Designer Sarah Richardson took the weather into consideration when designing this living room in London, England. Neutral tones used on the wall and sofa ensure that the space won’t feel dark on drearier days, while pinks and reds punctuate it with color and enliven the elegant aesthetic.

Photographer:

Stacey Brandford

Source:

House & Home March 2012

Designer:

Sarah Richardson

In this standout living room, pattern, color and texture were masterfully layered to create this ultra chic and space that’s balanced by clean lines and vintage-inspired pieces.

This room’s eclectic mix of color and pattern, from the boho art pieces that decorate the coral-colored hearth to the rows of books stacked against the wall, lends laid-back sophistication to the space.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & Home March 2015

A collection of vintage pieces — including a 17th century deer sculpture, vintage Sputnik chandelier and 1940s triptych — add interest to this bright and airy living room’s classic color scheme.

Photographer:

Alex Lukey

Source:

House & Home June 2015

Designer:

Jill Kantelberg

Rich reds and calming blues make up the painterly color scheme in this living room. A custom built-in bookshelf provides ample storage for treasured reads, and a unique panel in the center offers a spot to hang larger artwork and can slide aside to reveal a flatscreen TV when guests are over.

Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Source:

House & Home June 2012

Designer:

Karen Cole, Virginia Kelly

In this Paris-meets-Provence living room, a modern concrete fireplace is softened with pops of pink, white linen chairs and white-washed barn wood.

In this stately living room, coffered ceilings done at an angle draw the eye inward and balance the more formal limed-oak panelling. Classic furniture pieces play off the buttery hue of the ceiling, while a dark coffee-toned floor adds richness and warmth.

Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Source:

House & Home January 2012

Designer:

Connie Braemer

Dramatic peacock-blue walls give Colette van den Thillart’s own living room a glamorous, jewel-box feel. Lighter shades of green in the armchair and rug help brighten the space, while a custom amoeba-shaped coffee table makes maneuvering around seating easier and introduces a more organic element.

Photographer:

Chris Tubbs

Source:

House & Home January 2011

Designer:

Colette van den Thillart

This living room is a fresh take on traditional style, with old-world classics like the mantel and Heriz rug balanced by clean-lined chairs that invite you to cozy up and relax by the fire.

Photographer:

Stacey Brandford

Source:

House & Home February 2016

Designer:

Allison Willson

In smaller living rooms, accessories kept at a minimum allow larger furniture pieces to shine. Here, the sapphire blue sofa lends gravitas to the space and picks up on the hints of blue in the Turkish rug.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & Home, February 2014

Designer:

Sarah Hartill

With crown moldings, high ceilings and baseboards, you’d never guess that this stately living room was actually located in a condo! This character-driven space features a symmetrical design that elegantly combines color, pattern and texture.